LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake series by the numbers

LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake series by the numbers

CARSON, Calif. – We’re inching ever closer to the LA Galaxy’s clash with Real Salt Lake , but as we prepare to analyze the midfield diamonds, counterattacks and crushing tackles that are emblematic of matches between the two sides, let’s look at the series by the numbers.

*ZERO— The number of two-leg, aggregate goals series played between the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake. Both postseason contests were one-off matches with the Galaxy leading by a 1-0-1 margin.

*THREE of FOUR – The LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake have three of the last four MLS Cup titles with RSL defeating LA in 2009 before LA rattled off two straight in 2011 and 2012. The lone team to win the club in recent years that wasn’t LA or RSL was the Colorado Rapids in 2010.

*THREE – Times that Real Salt Lake have gone 10 or more days between games and their record after a layoff is 2-0-1. Both wins were by multiple goals with RSL defeating Seattle on June 22 after a 10 day off and FC Dallas 3-0 after another 10 day gap. Their lone draw came after 14 days between games a 0-0 draw with Portland. By game time on Sunday, RSL will have gone 10 days between games.

*3.4— Average number of saves per game by Nick Rimando, who has 93 saves in 27 games against the LA Galaxy. In games against RSL since 2009, the Galaxy have used a total of four different goalkeepers against Salt Lake: Donovan Ricketts, Josh Saunders, Brian Rowe, and Jaime Penedo.

*FIVE— The number of goals scored by Javier Morales against the LA Galaxy. The Argentine midfielder is the team’s leading scorer against LA while also adding nine assists. Second is Robbie Findley with four goals against his former club.

*10—The number of goals scored by Landon Donovan against Real Salt Lake. He is the team leader with goals against RSL while Robbie Keane is second with five goals against the Utahans.

*11-10-6 – The overall record between the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake in regular season and postseason play.

*7-6-5— Bruce Arena’s record in all MLS competitions against Real Salt Lake.

*5-1-1— The LA Galaxy’s record against RSL when leading at the half. The lone draw came in the 2009 MLS Cup when RSL won in penalty kicks. The Galaxy are 7-6-4 when being tied at the half with RSL and 0-2-0 when trailing at the half.